I really like this story, or fable, and I don't think many people know it. It should be around for next generations. So, here goes.
A man drives his car through the desert. It is noon, mid August and the air is hot and dry. Suddenly, he feels that something is wrong with the car. He stops and finds that it has a flat tire. Opens up the trunk and, alas, the car jack is missing. So, there he was: in the middle of the desert, not a house or even a car in sight, with a flat tire and no car jack.
He starts walking. In the distance he sees a tent of some desert nomads, Bedouins. He proceeds towards the tent. The sun is blazing above and the man walks and his mind races. A conversation starts inside his burning head:
"I'll just come over and ask for a jack. They are kind people, they will probably be happy to assist."
"But, they might ask for some money, after all, it is their jack. That's cool."
"How much can they charge? Well, a jack costs about $20. I can pay that. Sounds reasonable."
"But, we are in the middle of the desert and there are no alternatives. They will probably overcharge me."
"So, it will cost a bit extra. No worries. But how much?"
"Perhaps $40. Well, it's double than what it should costs, but they are the only one here, so I'll pay."
"But what if they want more? How much more?"
"$80? That's a lot of money."
"But why stop there? Here I am, tired, thirsty, they'll probably charge me $80 just for a glass of water."
"So, $100? Will they be bald enough to ask for a $100?"
"Perhaps more? How much more? How cruel can this people be? $200?"
"I mean, I have no other choice, if they ask for $300, I can either give it to them or spend the night in the desert."
"I'll probably die."
"These people are ruthless. What was I thinking heading towards their tent?"
"They'll probably just take all my money. ALL OF IT. After all, they can, so why wouldn't they?"
At this point, the man reaches the tent. He notices 3 men sitting outside the tent. He approaches the men, opens his mouth and shouts: "YOU CAN TAKE YOUR JACK AND ***** IT UP YOUR ***". He angrily turns away and walks back to his car.
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